Denny Ellis Edens passed away on July 1, 2017 at James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee. He was born on May 1, 1948 in Boise, Idaho and graduated from Oregon City High School in 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal after an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1970. Denny continued his education receiving a Master’s degree in Theology from NCC in Eugene, Ore., and later a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tenn.
Throughout his life Denny served as park ranger, social worker, food coordinator, Educator, Principal, Minister, and Professor. However, he would fulfill his lifelong dream of being a missionary in Baguio City, Philippines with the support of his home congregation at Hopwood Christian Church in Milligan, Tenn.
Denny had many interests and enjoyed painting, music, cooking, woodworking, hiking, camping, and scouting. He was well-liked, devoutly religious, a wonderful father, loyal husband, and a faithful follower of Christ — no matter what.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Walker Sr. and Sherlive E. Edens; brother, Walker Edens Jr.; and daughter, Sarah Jo Edens.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie L. Edens; son, Stephen Denny Edens (wife Missy); daughters, Sherlive Lee Edens and Mikayla Leann Edens; and grandchildren, Liam, Kaolin, Harley, Adler, Gage, Azariah and Malachi; and sister, Marsha Morrison.
A memorial of Denny’s life will be held in the Chapel at Emmanuel Christian Seminary on Friday, July 7, at 1 p.m. with visitation at noon with Pastor Tim Ross (Hopwood Christian Church) presiding. The graveside service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Huckaba, Elmer Potectan, Joshua Potectan, Jethro Potectan, Charles Bautista and Chad La Roche. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Christian Seminary, 1 Walker Drive, Johnson City, TN 37601 or to American Legion Watauga Post #49, 111 South Watauga Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the Edens family. Office: (423) 543-5544.